THE sister of Bromsgrove man Andrew Brookes, who died at the Hillsborough disaster, has said that this week’s inquest finding that her brother was unlawfully killed is just the beginning, and now it’s time for ‘the next round’.

Louise Brookes, who was 17 when her brother Andrew died at the Hillsborough stadium in April 1989, along with 95 other Liverpool fans, said the verdict on Tuesday had left her feeling ‘numb’ and was only just starting to sink in.

She said: “We went and met the jury yesterday. I think they were very overwhelmed. We did a standing ovation and I think they were overwhelmed by that. They didn’t have a choice over being there. I mean we didn’t have a choice really, but they had to listen to all those details, all that information, it must have been really hard.

"I’ve been there constantly for two years living out of hotels, commuting, it’s been a nightmare.”

She described the moment the verdict was read out, saying: “It was very tense really. Everybody always assumed it was in the bag, but it definitely wasn’t it the bag. We were relying on these members of the public to see what we’re seeing.”

For many of the relatives of the 96 victims of Hillsborough, the fight won’t be over until police officers in charge on the day are held to account for their actions.

Louise added: “People think this is the end, but it’s not. This is the beginning. We’re on to the next round now with criminal prosecutions. We’re not going away anywhere. I could fight for another 27 years to be honest with you, that’s just my temperament.

"I always used to think the 96 were chosen, but I don’t think that now, I think the 96 families were chosen for their resilience and their dedication and their strength.

“There’s still a lot which I don’t think came out in court. I still think the establishment tried to hide things. Now I just need to make sure the criminal prosecutions go ahead.

We will never ever go away, until we see people in that witness box in a criminal court.”

Louise believes she is fighting on behalf of her brother, but she says they weren’t very similar in that respect. “He was not like me,” she said. “He was a completely different temperament to me. He was very quiet and reserved. Andrew didn’t actually like my fiestyness and he actually used to say that my mouth would get me into serious trouble one day.

“I used to come back from court and tap his photo and say ‘See my mouth. It’s what’s going to save you.’ I think he’d be very proud of me. My intentions are good. I’ve never worried what people have thought about me.”

After two years Louise is finally coming back to Bromsgrove, and the prospect is proving more than a little difficult for her to contemplate. She said: “I’m very very scared for my future now. I’m dreading coming home. I’m dreading walking into the house where me and Andrew were brought up.

“When the [Hillsborough Independent Panel] report came out my dad was still alive and I used to tell my dad, but Hillsborough took everything from me. The fight for justice kept me close to my parents, close to Andrew. I’ve got to start to build a life for me now.”

Some of Andrew’s friends are still in the area, and Mark Richards, who was at the stadium with Andrew when he died, gave evidence at the inquests. Louise added: “I spoke to him on Monday night. He’s found it very difficult. He felt guilty, he’s had a big weight lifted off his shoulders as well.”

Criminal proceedings are likely to go ahead following the inquest, but it could still take time. Louise is philosophical about it. She said: “We’ve waited 27 years what’s another nine months.”